Multiple Battery configurations in an Implantable Medical Device

ABSTRACT

Implantable medical device power circuits are disclosed. Multiple batteries may be provided, along with a number of switches, enabling a plurality of battery and power circuit configurations to be defined. Configurations of the power circuit may be changed in response to changes in battery status as the batteries are used and/or near end-of-life. Configurations of the power circuit may also be performed in response to changes in device operation. Methods associated with operating such circuits and implantable medical devices are also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/833,163, filed Aug. 2, 2007, published as US 2009-0036943 A1, andtitled MULTIPLE BATTERY CONFIGURATIONS IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE,the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention is related to the field of implantable medicaldevices. More particularly, the present invention relates to electricpower supply systems in implantable medical devices.

BACKGROUND

Some implantable medical device operations require both low-power andhigh-power functions. An example is an implantablecardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). An ICD monitors cardiac function in apatient using implanted electrodes that capture electrical signalsgenerated by the heart. This monitoring function requires the operationof low power control and analysis circuitry which may include, forexample, amplifiers, filters, analog-to-digital converting hardwareand/or a microcontroller. The low power circuitry will use currents inthe range of microamps at voltages that have been decreasing withimprovements in digital and analog circuitry.

In an ICD, monitoring is performed in part to determine whether amalignant arrhythmia is occurring in a patient's heart. If a malignantarrhythmia is identified, high power circuitry is used to build up andthen release a large amplitude stimulus to the patient. Such a stimulusmay have a voltage of hundreds or even thousands of volts, with totalpower ranging from less than a Joule up to 80 or more Joules.

A challenge in designing an implantable medical device (IMD) is to findpower supply circuitry which can meet the low and high power needs ofthe device. The simplest approach is to use a single battery. However,challenges arise because available batteries often come in one of twoforms: batteries capable of delivering large currents (i.e., high poweroutputs) but lacking optimal energy density, and batteries having highenergy density but which encounter large internal impedances at highcurrents. One approach could be to provide separate low and high powersources using separate batteries, one having high current outputcapacity and one having high energy density. However, using separatebatteries would cause the device to be disabled as soon as one of thebatteries reaches its end-of-life. Alternative solutions are desired.

SUMMARY

The present invention, in an illustrative embodiment, includes animplantable medical device comprising at least first and secondbatteries and switching circuitry associated with the first and secondbatteries. In an illustrative example, a plurality of configurations areprovided by the switching circuitry such that, in a first configuration,the batteries operate in parallel with anodes and cathodes coupledtogether, equalizing voltage output; in a second configuration, thebatteries operate in series with the anode of one battery coupled to thecathode of the other battery such that low and high power outputs may betaken from the nodes at each of the anodes; in a third configuration,the batteries are isolated from one another. More than two batteries maybe used. Some embodiments include configurations in which one or morebatteries may be entirely excluded from operation, if so desired, forexample, after it is determined that a battery is near its effectiveend-of-life. Additional illustrative embodiments include methodsassociated with such devices. In another embodiment, the configurationof a power circuit in an implantable medical device is selected inresponse to changes in device state or operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B show respective subcutaneous and transvenous implantablecardiac stimulus systems;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for an illustrative implantablemedical device;

FIG. 3 is a schematic for an illustrative embodiment;

FIGS. 4A-4C show the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3 in threeconfigurations;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative embodiment having three batteries;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative embodiment having four batteries;

FIGS. 7A-7C show the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6 in threeconfigurations;

FIG. 7D shows an alternative construction and configuration for theembodiment of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram showing an illustrative method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description should be read with reference to thedrawings. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depictillustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

FIGS. 1A-1B, respectively, show subcutaneous and transvenous implantedcardiac stimulus systems relative to a patient's heart. Referring toFIG. 1A, the heart 10 is shown in relation to an implanted, subcutaneouscardiac stimulus system including a canister 12. A lead 14 is secured tocanister 12 and includes sensing electrode A 16, a coil electrode 18,and sensing electrode B 20. A can electrode 22 is shown on the canister12. Other electrode configurations may be used. An alternativesubcutaneous system uses a flexible unitary housing rather than a can12, with or without a lead. Illustrative subcutaneous systems are shownin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,647,292 and 6,721,597, and the disclosures of thesepatents are incorporated herein by reference.

A vector for delivering cardiac stimulus is defined between the canelectrode 22 and the coil electrode 18. Other vectors for stimulusdelivery may be defined depending upon the internal circuitry of thedevice, different lead designs, and/or the size and shape of electrodesA and B 16, 20, which may also be used for stimulus delivery if sosuited. The stimulus vector is illustrated as having two polarities. Inaddition, although not shown, a number of sensing vectors are defined,for example, using combinations of electrode A 16, electrode B 20, canelectrode 22, and/or, if desired, coil electrode 18.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a transvenous system is shown relative to apatient's heart 30. The transvenous cardiac stimulus system includes acanister 32 connected to a lead 34. The lead 34 resides partly withinthe patient's vasculature, enters the patient's heart, and includessensing electrodes A 36 and B 38. Stimulus electrodes are shown at 50,52. The lead 34 may be anchored into the patient's myocardium. Again, acan electrode 40 is shown on the canister 32. With this system, pluralsensing and stimulus delivery vectors may be defined. The embodimentshown includes two stimulus delivery vectors each having two polarities,that is, stimulus vectors between electrodes 50 and 52 and betweenelectrodes 40 and 50. A third stimulus vector may also be definedbetween electrodes 40 and 52, although this is not shown in theillustration. Other lead and electrode configurations may also be used.

Each of the devices 12, 32 may further include such components as wouldbe appropriate for communication (such as RF communication, inductivetelemetry or other suitable communication linkage) with an externaldevice such as a programmer. To this end, programmers 24 (FIG. 1A) and42 (FIG. 1B) are also shown. For example, during an implantationprocedure, once the implantable device 12, 32 and leads (if included)are placed, the programmer 24, 42 may be used to activate the implanteddevice 12, 32, and/or direct/observe diagnostic or operational tests.After implantation, the programmer 24, 42 may be used to non-invasivelydetermine the status and history of the implanted device. Theprogrammers 24, 42 in combination with the implanted devices 12, 32 mayalso allow annunciation of statistics, errors, history and potentialproblems to the user/medical practitioner, and may also allow forupdating of programming in the implanted devices 12, 32.

The systems shown in FIGS. 1A-1B are merely illustrative. The presentinvention may be embodied in virtually any implantable system. Forexample, it may be embodied in transvenous or subcutaneous systems suchas those shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, as well as hybrid systems combiningfeatures of both. Additionally, the present invention may also beembodied in fully intravascular systems modeled on those shown in USPatent Application Publication Number 2006-0224225 A1, now U.S. Pat. No.7,734,343, (Ransbury et al.). Although explained in the context of acardiac stimulus system, the present invention may also be embodied inother implantable medical systems directed toward other portions of theanatomy.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for an illustrative implantablecardiac stimulus device. In the illustrative example, operationalcircuitry for an implantable cardiac stimulus device is shown at 100, apatient is shown both at 102 a and 102 b. It should be understood thatthis is the same patient in both instances 102 a, 102 b, but thecoupling electrodes may be different for each. For example, shockdelivery electrodes may be separate or different from sensingelectrodes, although this need not always be the case.

The operational circuitry includes a control block 104, which may takeany suitable or conventional form. Microcontrollers are one class ofdevice that may be used in control block 104, although in addition to oras a replacement for a microcontroller, there may be various logic andother devices or subcircuits. The control block 104 may access a memory108, which may take various forms including RAM, ROM, Flash memory, orany other suitable form (optical, electrical, magnetic, etc.) fortemporarily or permanently storing information and/or instruction sets.The control block 104 is configured and connected to other circuitrywithin the device such that it can direct operations associated withmethods of practicing some illustrative embodiments of the presentinvention. A battery block 106 is also shown. The battery block 106 ismore fully explained below.

The operational circuitry 100 may also include telemetry 110, which mayinclude such drivers, mixers, antenna(s), amplifiers and the like as areknown for use in communications circuitry. The telemetry 110 is used tocommunicate with a programmer, such as programmers 24, 42 shown in FIGS.1A-1B.

Signal capture block 112 includes amplifying and filtering circuitrywhich may take any form suitable for use in an implantable cardiacstimulus device for observing cardiac function. Signal capture block 112may also including sampling and analog-to-digital devices, as well aslocal registers, memory or the like for temporarily storing capturedinformation.

Generally speaking, the control block 104 uses the signal capture block112 to capture data from the patient 102 a. In response to instructionsfrom telemetry 110 and/or instructions or data stored in memory 108, thecontrol block 104 may analyze data from the signal capture block 112 todetermine whether the patient 102 a/b is in need of stimulus. If so, thecontrol block 104 calls on the charger 114 to charge energy storage 116,which may include one or more capacitors in any suitable configuration.As is known to those of skill in the art, the charger 114 is used tostep up the voltage from the battery 106 (typically less than 10 volts)to a higher level (up to several hundred or even several thousand volts)for use in cardioversion or defibrillation. In order to achievesufficient energy storage, the charger 114 typically draws significantlylarger currents than other portions of the operational circuitry 100.

The control block 104 and/or the charger 114 may monitor the voltagelevel on the energy storage 116 during charging to determine whether andwhen sufficient stimulus energy has been stored. Once enough energy isstored at energy storage 116 for stimulus delivery, the control block104 manipulates output circuitry 118, which may include, for example, aplurality of switches and/or an H-bridge configuration, in order todeliver the stored energy to the patient 102 b. An H-bridge is shown,for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,865,417 and 6,952,608. In other medicaldevices, there may be output circuitry, such as transducers (such assonic drivers for phoresis delivery of a drug), pumps, etc., that takethe place of the illustrative subcircuits shown at 114, 116 and 118 inFIG. 2.

In the illustration, the battery block 106 is shown as providing a LowPower portion 106A, which powers the control block 104, telemetry 110,and signal capture block 112. For illustrative purposes, not allconnections are shown. The battery block 106 also includes a High Powerportion 106B, which is used to power a charger 114.

In an illustrative example, the control block 104 can manipulate theduration and format of the applied stimulus by controlling the outputcircuitry 118, for example, controlling whether the applied waveform ismonophasic or biphasic, and also controlling the amplitude and polarity.It is typical for the amplitude of the applied voltage to drop duringits application as the energy storage 116 (typically a bank ofcapacitors) discharges energy. The change in output amplitude during anapplied pulse is sometimes referred to as “tilt,” a ratio of the finalvoltage to the initial voltage. Constant current stimuli may also beapplied.

FIG. 3 is a schematic for an illustrative embodiment of a power system.The illustrative embodiment includes a high output battery Bh, shown at200, and a low output battery BI, shown at 202. The batteries 200, 202are coupled to high and low outputs shown, respectively, at P_High andP_Low, which are taken with respect to a common ground, as shown. Threeswitches 210, 212, and 214 selectively couple the batteries 200, 202 tothe outputs, ground, and each other. An optional attenuating resistor isshown at 220.

The switches 210, 212, 214 may take any suitable form, including forexample, MOSFET, JFET and/or BJT electrical devices. Other devices, suchas relays and/or silicon controlled rectifiers, may also be used. Itshould be understood that control wires for these switches 210, 212, 214have been omitted from the Figures for simplicity.

As shown, switch 212 selectively couples the positive terminal + of thelow output battery BI 202 to the negative terminal − of the high outputbattery Bh 200. Switch 214 selectively couples the negative terminal ofthe high output battery Bh 200 to ground. The positive terminal of thehigh output battery Bh 200 is directly coupled to a P_High output of thebattery subcircuit, while the positive terminal of the low outputbattery BI 202 is directly coupled to a P_Low output of the batterysubcircuit. The operation of the switches to provide multipleconfigurations is further illustrated below by reference to FIGS. 4A-4C.

In an illustrative example, P_High is used to power high currentportions of the implantable device circuitry, and P_Low is used to powerlow current portions of the implantable device circuitry. For example,in an ICD, P_High is used to power charging circuitry that quicklystores up energy on power capacitors for delivering as a defibrillationpulse, while P_Low can power the control circuitry. In anotherillustrative example, P_High is element 106B in FIG. 2, while P_Low iselement 106A in FIG. 2.

In an illustrative example, the batteries 200 and 202 may differ inchemistry and/or structure such that each has distinct characteristics.For example, the low output battery 202 may be a battery havingrelatively higher internal impedance than the high output battery 200,but higher energy density, making the low output battery 202 well suitedto providing power for long-term operation of control and monitoringcircuitry, while the high output battery 200, with the lower internalimpedance, would be better suited to powering high current applicationssuch as charging a high power capacitor for use in delivering largestimulus. In an alternative embodiment, the batteries 200, 202 may be ofthe same construction as one another.

FIGS. 4A-4C show the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3 in threeconfigurations. In FIG. 4A, switch 212 is closed, while switches 210 and214 are open. This couples the positive terminal + of the low outputbattery 202 to the negative terminal − of the high output battery 200,placing the batteries 200, 202 in series. The output of the series is atP_High, and an output is taken between the batteries 200, 202, as P_Low.The illustration to the right of the drawing shows this simplifiedcircuit. The voltage at P_High will be the sum of the voltages acrossthe batteries 200, 202, which in turn reduces the equivalent currentdraw at P_High during high power output, since less current is drawn toproduce the same power output at this summed voltage.

In FIG. 4B, switch 212 is left open, while switches 214 and 210 areclosed. As shown to the right, this configuration places P_High andP_Low in parallel connection with one another across the optionalresistor 220, which may be omitted if desired. This configuration allowseither battery 200, 202 to make up for a deficiency of the otherbattery. The optional resistor 220 can be used to prevent shorting ofone battery 200/202 to the other 202/200, for example, if the batteries200, 202 have different output voltages. Alternatively, the optionalresistor 220 may be omitted to prevent attenuation of energy within thecircuit.

In an alternative configuration, an additional switch may be placedbetween the negative terminal of the low output battery 202 and ground.This switch may be opened to remove the low output battery 202 from thecircuit entirely, which may be desired if the low output battery 202reaches or nears its end-of-life. Then all circuitry would be poweredfrom the other battery. Conversely, the configuration of FIG. 4B may bemodified to open switch 214, removing the high output battery 200 fromthe circuit entirely, since the negative terminal of the high outputbattery 200 would then be left floating. This would allow the low outputbattery 202 to power the entire device in the event that the high outputbattery 200 reaches or nears its end-of-life. In some embodiments, eachbattery may be individually tested to determine whether either is at ornear its end-of-life, for example, by monitoring changes in internalimpedance, loaded voltage, or open circuit voltage.

In some illustrative examples, battery status may be measured by one ormore of the following methods. An illustrative method may includecoupling a battery output to a high impedance input to ananalog-to-digital converter to check open circuit voltage. Anotherillustrative method may include measuring a voltage across a resistor,to check loaded voltage of the battery. If both such measurements aretaken, yielding Vopen and Vloaded, and the resistor size is known, theinternal impedance of a battery may be identified by noting that theresistor and the internal resistance of the battery form a voltagedivider, with:

$V_{Open} = {V_{Loaded} \times \frac{R_{Load} + R_{Internal}}{R_{Load}}}$

Solving for the internal resistance:

$R_{Internal} = {R_{Load} \times \left( {\frac{V_{Open}}{V_{Loaded}} - 1} \right)}$

Another method of measuring battery status is disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/487,103, titled END OF LIFE BATTERY TESTING INAN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE, filed on Jul. 14, 2006, and published asUS 2008-0015644 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference. Any of these methods and metrics (open circuit voltage,loaded voltage, and internal impedance or resistance) may be used todetermine battery status and estimate the end-of-life (EOL) for abattery. Additional methods, devices and sub-circuits for testing any ofthese metrics, or other metrics indicating battery status, are known inthe art as well. Battery status may be annunciated to an associatedprogrammer when queried or whenever a battery nears EOL. If EOLapproaches or occur, the device may notify an implantee, as is known inthe art.

In yet another embodiment, a switch is supplied between the positiveterminal of the low output battery 202 and the P_Low output, with theconfiguration of FIG. 4A being used. In this manner, the two batteries200, 202 can be used in series to supply power for both the P_High andP_Low outputs; this may be desired when either or both batteries arenear end of life. While it is likely best that a patient seek medicalattention, likely including explant and replacement of the device, whenend of life for either or both batteries is near, the device itself, asimplanted, can be configured to maximize the available battery powereven if the patient delays in obtaining medical attention.

FIG. 4C demonstrates yet another configuration. Here, switches 210 and212 are left open, isolating the batteries from one another. The resultis that the P_High output is provided exclusively by the high outputbattery 200, and the P_Low output is provided exclusively by the lowoutput battery 202.

Usage of these configurations may be programmed into a device. Theconfiguration of FIG. 4C may be used, in this example, as a default orstandard configuration during ordinary operation of an implantablemedical device (IMD) such as an ICD. If the ICD is also equipped toprovide a pacing output, the configuration of FIG. 4C may be used duringpacing, with P_High and hence only the high output battery 200 used toprovide pacing output energy, while P_Low and hence only the low outputbattery 202 used to power associated control circuitry. If adefibrillation or cardioversion stimulus is used, either theconfiguration of FIG. 4C or the configuration of FIG. 4A may be used. Inone example, the power supply switches are adjusted to the configurationof FIG. 4A in the event that a high voltage pulse charge fails to buildon associated capacitors within a predetermined period of time. Inanother example, the configuration of FIG. 4A is used when multiplelarge amplitude stimuli are needed within a short period of time. In yetanother example, an ICD is configured to provide defibrillation pulseshaving increasing amplitudes (i.e., 5 Joules, 10 Joules, 15 Joules,etc.), and the configuration of FIG. 4C is used for lesser amplitudes,while the configuration of FIG. 4A is used for greater amplitudes. Theconfiguration of FIG. 4B may be used near the end of life of the lowoutput battery 202.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative embodiment of a power system 250 having threebatteries. In the illustrative embodiment, batteries R, S, and T areshown coupled together with a plurality of switches 252, 254, 256, 258,260, 262. It can be seen, when compared to FIG. 3, that the embodimentof FIG. 5 is similar except that a module of battery R and switches 258,260, 262 has been added.

The following chart is illustrative of operation:

Con- figu- ration 252 254 256 258 260 262 P_High P_Low 1 ◯ X ◯ ◯ X ◯ R +S + T T 2 X ◯ X X ◯ X R = S = T R = S = T 3 X ◯ ◯ X ◯ X R + T T 4 ◯ X ◯X ◯ ◯ S + T T 5 ◯ ◯ X ◯ X ◯ R + S T

Additional configurations can be added as well. Configuration 1 allowsall three batteries to contribute during a high power output timeperiod. Configuration 2 allows each battery to contribute to high andlow power output, for example, to compensate for one of the batteriesbeing at or near its end-of-life. Configuration 3 allows a battery, inthis case, battery S, to be isolated, while configuration 4 allows adifferent battery, in this case, battery R, to be isolated.Configuration 5 separates the functions of the batteries completely suchthat two batteries are dedicated to only high power output P_High whilethe third battery is dedicated to only the low power output P_Low.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the pattern andconfiguration in FIG. 5 can be expanded using 3(N−1) switches to coupleN batteries together. Those of skill in the art will also recognize thatan additional switch may be provided at one of locations 270, 272 toallow isolation of battery T in a manner analogous to configurations 3and 4 shown above. An example includes another switch at location 272:switches 256 and 260 would be closed such that P_High=S+R, and switch252 is closed such that P_Low=S, while switches 254, 258, 262 and 272are opened, with switches 254 and 272 isolating battery T, and switches258 and 262 being opened to allow series operation of batteries S and Rfor output P_High.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative embodiment of a power system having fourbatteries. The embodiment in FIG. 6 includes yet another “module”comprising battery W and switches 314, 316, 318, as compared to FIG. 5.Batteries W, X, Y and Z are shown and coupled together. Switches 304,310 and 316 selectively couple battery pairs in series with positiveterminals coupled to negative terminals for battery pairs Z/Y, Y/X, andX/W, respectively. Switches 306, 312, 318 selectively couple thenegative terminals of batteries Y, X and W, respectively, to ground.Switches 302, 308 and 314 selectively couple positive terminals of pairsof batteries together, with switch 302 between batteries Z/Y, switch 308between batteries Y/X, and switch 314 between batteries X/W. Again, anoptional resistor is shown at 320. The interconnections of the batteriesW, X, Y, Z and switches 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316 and 318form a power system.

FIGS. 7A-7C show the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6 in threeconfigurations. In FIG. 7A, all of the batteries are connected inparallel with one another by having switches 302, 306, 308, 312, 314 and318 closed. In FIG. 7B, P_Low is taken from battery Z only by openingswitch 302, and the P_High is taken from the series combination ofbatteries W, X, Y, and Z by closing switches 304, 310 and 316, whileleaving other switches open, as shown. FIG. 7C shows a configuration inwhich one battery (battery X) is excluded from the circuit as indicatedat 330, which may be necessary if one of the batteries becomes depletedfaster than other batteries; alternatively, this may simply be aconfiguration deliberately chosen for other design purposes. Battery Xis excluded by closing switches 304, 308 and 316 and opening switches310, 312, thereby routing current around the excluded battery X.

FIG. 7D shows an alternative construction and configuration for theembodiment of FIG. 6. This construction includes an additional switch340 in series with battery Z and located between the negative terminalof battery Z and ground, and the otherwise optional resistor is omittedas indicated at 350. In this configuration, opening switch 340 allowsbattery Z to be excluded from the circuit. In the configuration shown,P_Low is powered by battery Y alone, while P_High is powered bybatteries W and X in series with one another by closing switches 312 and316, while the other switches remain open. The additional switch may beincluded in other configurations shown herein such that the number ofswitches in each would then be 3N−2 for N batteries.

In an illustrative example, battery Z may be a battery used by defaultto power P_Low (for example, battery Z may be of different chemistry orconstruction than batteries W, X and Y). In this example, battery Z maynear or reach end-of-life well before the other batteries if the deviceis implanted for prophylactic purposes in a patient who rarely needshigh power therapy, as may happen if a high risk patient eliminates riskfactors by changes to habits, diet, exercise and/or medication and seessubstantial improvement. In this scenario, the remaining batteries maybe reconfigured as shown to provide a low power output P_Low withoutcontinued reliance on the end-of-life battery. As an alternative to thatshown in FIG. 7D, switch 310 may be closed while switch 312 is opened,allowing the P_High output to be generated by the series combination ofall three of batteries W, X and Y.

In an illustrative example, at least one of the batteries is coupled tothe P_Low node in series with a switching device that is “closed” whenno voltage is applied. For example, switch 340 may be a depletion-typeMOSFET, which turns off when a voltage is applied to its controlterminal. This may simplify device turn-on, since at least one batteryis coupled between P_Low and ground without any voltage output from acontrol terminal to the depletion-type MOSFET.

FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram showing an illustrative method. Themethod 400 may begin from a start block 402, which will in someembodiments be initiated at intervals, for example, daily, weekly or atlesser or greater intervals. The method 400 may also be initiated inresponse to a query during a session in which communication isestablished between an implanted device and a programmer.

First, battery status is checked, as indicated at 404. In someembodiments, all batteries in the system may be checked during step 404.Alternatively, only batteries which are known to have produced currentsduring operation may be tested, for example, in an ICD, it is possiblefor monitoring of cardiac activity, which is a relatively low powerfunction of the device, to occur for a great period of time without anystimuli being delivered to an implant recipient. In this instance, themethod may perform a battery status check on only the battery(ies) thatare powering the low power functions. In yet another embodiment, allbatteries are checked to monitor for conditions that indicate device orbattery malfunction. Although not shown, in response to step 404, a flagor other stored value may be set by the implanted device to indicate thebattery status and/or if one or more batteries are at or nearend-of-life. If and when communication is established with an externalprogrammer, such flags or values may be annunciated.

From step 404, the device continues to step 406, in which a batteryconfiguration is selected. Next, the selected battery configuration iseffected, a shown at 408, by opening and/or closing appropriate switchesin the power supply circuit. The method then ends, as shown at 410. Inan illustrative example, an indicator of the configuration in use can bestored and this indicator is annunciated during communication with anexternal programmer.

In addition to periodic starting at 402, in some embodiments, a changein device operation 412 may cause initiation of method 400. This mayoccur, for example, when it is determined that a high power output isneeded from the power supply circuit, for example, when a malignantarrhythmia is detected by an ICD and stimulus is needed, or when abradyarrhythmia is detected by a pacemaker and pacing is indicated, orwhen stimulus of another portion of patient anatomy, such as parts ofthe nervous system, is needed. In one example of an ICD, the change indevice operation may also occur during operation if multiple stimuli aredelivered at increasing amplitudes. The change in device operation 412may occur if a time-out occurs during charging of a high power capacitorin an ICD as may happen if the previously selected configuration failsto provide adequate current/power to charge the high power capacitorquickly. In another example, the implanted medical device may be a drugdelivery device having output circuitry for delivering a drug to apatient, or having a pump that requires operation, and the decision todeliver the drug represents a change in device operation. Similarly,block 412 may be an indication that use of the high power output hasended, such that a different configuration adapted for delivery of onlylow power output may be adopted.

Initiation of method 402 from block 412 may go to either block 404 orblock 406. For example, if the method is embodied in an ICD and a highpower stimulus is to be delivered to prevent sudden cardiac death, a newconfiguration 406 may be selected without re-checking battery status, inorder to reduce delay between the decision to deliver stimulus andactual stimulus delivery. Alternatively, in a device such as an insulinpump, a delay of a few seconds to allow battery status to be checked instep 404 may be acceptable.

In the example of an ICD, if the change in device operation occurs dueto a time-out occurring during high power capacitor charging, a check ofbattery status 404 may be performed to determine why the time-outoccurred—and, if one or more batteries is at or near end-of-life, toremove the offending battery from the high power output circuit. Forexample, a battery at or near its end-of-life may undergo an increase ininternal impedance, which may introduce a time constant into thecharging circuitry that prevents fast charging. If such a battery isplaced in series with the high power output, one “dead” battery inseries with one or more non-depleted batteries can prevent the otherbatteries from successful charging.

In an illustrative embodiment, the select configuration step 406 mayinclude determining whether a change in battery configuration isappropriate. For example, the previous/current battery configuration maybe checked in light of a change in device operation, and if theconfiguration is appropriate for the change of device operation whichhas or is occurring, then the previous/current battery configuration maybe left in place. Otherwise, a different configuration is selected.

Those skilled in the art will understand that reference to “ground” or a“ground node” indicates a reference node for the system and does notimply or require an actual connection to an earth ground or otherexternal environment reference.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention maybe manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodimentsdescribed and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departures in form anddetail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent invention as described in the appended claims.

1. A method of operating an implantable device comprising powercircuitry including at least first, second and third batteries and aplurality of switches enabling one or more of the first second and thirdbatteries to be isolated from the other batteries, the methodcomprising: at a first time, providing power for the implantable deviceusing each of the first, second and third batteries; testing the first,second and third batteries to identify whether one or more of the first,second and third batteries is at or approaching end-of-life (EOL);identifying one of the first, second and third batteries as being at orapproaching EOL; and at a second time after the identification of abattery that is at or approaching EOL: manipulating the switches toisolate the battery that is at or approaching EOL; and providing powerfor the implantable device using the remaining batteries excluding thebattery that is at or approaching EOL.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinthe power circuitry for the implantable device drives a high powercircuit wherein the high power circuit is fed, at the first time, byeach of the first, second and third batteries in series, and at thesecond time, by at least two of the first, second and third batteries inseries but excluding the battery that is at or approaching EOL.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 wherein the power circuitry for the implantable devicedrives a low power circuit wherein the low power circuit is fed, at thefirst time, by one or more of the first, second or third batteries aloneor in parallel, and at the second time, by one or more of the first,second or third batteries alone or in parallel but excluding the batterythat is at or approaching EOL.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein themethod further comprises, if a battery that is at or approaching EOL isidentified, generating a warning to a recipient of the implantabledevice.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of testing the first,second and third batteries to identify whether one or more of the first,second and third batteries is at or approaching EOL includes one or moremethods selected from the group consisting of: testing an open circuitvoltage of a battery, testing a loaded voltage of a battery, andcalculating an effective series resistance of a battery.
 6. The methodof claim 1 wherein the power circuitry further comprises a fourthbattery.
 7. An implantable device comprising: power circuitry includingat least first, second and third batteries and a plurality of switchesenabling one or more of the first second and third batteries to beisolated from the other batteries; and operational circuitry forcontrolling operation of the power circuitry, wherein the operationalcircuitry is configured to operate the power circuitry using a methodcomprising: at a first time, providing power for the implantable deviceusing each of the first, second and third batteries; testing the first,second and third batteries to identify whether one or more of the first,second and third batteries is at or approaching end-of-life (EOL);identifying one of the first, second and third batteries as being at orapproaching EOL; and at a second time after the identification of abattery that is at or approaching EOL: manipulating the switches toisolate the battery that is at or approaching EOL; and providing powerfor the implantable device using the remaining batteries excluding thebattery that is at or approaching EOL.
 8. The implantable device ofclaim 7 wherein the operational circuitry is configured such that themethod includes the power circuitry driving a high power circuit, at thefirst time, by each of the first, second and third batteries in series,and at the second time, by at least two of the first, second and thirdbatteries in series but excluding the battery that is at or approachingEOL.
 9. The implantable device of claim 8 wherein the operationalcircuitry is configured such that the method includes the powercircuitry driving a low power circuit wherein the low power circuit isfed, at the first time, by one or more of the first, second or thirdbatteries alone or in parallel, and at the second time, by one or moreof the first, second and/or third batteries alone or in parallel butexcluding the battery that is at or approaching EOL.
 10. The implantabledevice of claim 7 wherein the operational circuitry is configured togenerate a warning to a recipient of the implantable device if a batterythat is at or approaching EOL is identified.
 11. The implantable deviceof claim 7 wherein the operational circuitry and power circuitry areconfigured such that testing the first, second and third batteries toidentify whether one or more of the first, second and third batteries isat or approaching EOL includes one or more methods selected from thegroup consisting of: testing an open circuit voltage of a battery,testing a loaded voltage of a battery, and calculating an effectiveseries resistance of a battery.
 12. The implantable device of claim 7wherein the power circuitry further comprises a fourth battery.
 13. Amethod of supplying power in an implantable medical device (IMD)comprising: providing a first battery having a positive terminal and anegative terminal; providing a second battery having a positive terminaland a negative terminal; providing a plurality of switches andconnections between the first and second batteries, a ground node, and ahigh power output and a low power output to form a power system; andmanipulating control of the switches to provide power in each of thefollowing configurations during different times of operation of the IMD:(a) providing the high and low power outputs from the first and secondbatteries connected together in parallel; and (b) providing the highpower output from the first and second batteries in series, and the lowpower output from the second battery alone.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the step of manipulating control of the switches furtherincludes providing power in the following additional configuration:providing the high power output from the first battery alone andproviding the low power output from the second battery alone.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the providing a plurality of switches andconnections between the first and second batteries, a ground node, and ahigh power output and a low power output to form a power system isperformed such that the power circuit includes: a first switch couplinga positive terminal of the first battery to a negative terminal of thesecond battery; a second switch coupling the negative terminal of thesecond battery to the ground node; and a third switch coupling thepositive terminal of the first battery to a positive terminal of thesecond battery; and further wherein: the low power output is taken fromthe positive terminal of the first battery; and the high power output istaken from the positive terminal of the second battery.
 16. The methodof claim 15, wherein a fourth switch couples a negative terminal of thefirst battery to the ground node and the method further includesdetermining if either the first battery or the second battery is near orat its end of life and, if so, isolating the battery that is near or atits end of life from the rest of the circuitry.
 17. The method of claim13, further comprising providing a third battery having a positiveterminal and a negative terminal, wherein: the step of providing aplurality of switches and connections includes coupling the thirdbattery to the other parts of the power system; and the step ofmanipulating control of the switches is performed such that: inconfiguration (a), the third battery is also connected in parallel tothe first and second batteries; and in configuration (b), the high poweroutput is provided from the first, second and third batteries all inseries.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of manipulatingcontrol of the switches is performed such that another configuration isused during a time of operation of the IMD in which at least one of thefirst, second and third batteries is excluded from the power circuit.19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing a plurality ofswitches and connections between the first and second batteries, aground node, and a high power output and a low power output to form apower system, which also includes coupling the third battery to otherparts of the power system, is performed such that the power circuitincludes: a first switch coupling a positive terminal of the firstbattery to a negative terminal of the second battery; a second switchcoupling the negative terminal of the second battery to the ground node;a third switch coupling a positive terminal of the second battery to thepositive terminal of the first battery; a fourth switch coupling thepositive terminal of the second battery to the negative terminal of thethird battery; a fifth switch coupling the negative terminal of thethird battery to the ground node; and a sixth switch coupling thepositive terminal of the third battery to the positive terminal of thesecond node; and further wherein: the low power output is taken from thepositive terminal of the first battery and the high power output iscoupled to the positive terminal of the third battery.
 20. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising: observing the status of at least one ofthe batteries; ands electing a configuration for the power system giventhe battery status; wherein the step of manipulating control of theswitches is performed to effect the selected configuration.